Brother HL-L3270CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Review Ideal for Home and Small Offices

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Brother HL-L3270CDW Compact Wireless Digital Color Printer immediately grabbed my attention with its minimalist yet functional design. Its compact size makes it a great fit for a home office or smaller workspaces. I found the 17.3” x 18.1” x 9.9” dimensions perfectly suited for my desk without dominating the area. It’s not the lightest at 40.3 pounds, but it feels sturdy, which adds to the impression of durability. The color touchscreen is just the right size at 2.7 inches, and it’s responsive, making it easy to navigate through the settings and options. I appreciated how the paper tray can hold up to 250 sheets, minimizing the need for frequent refills.

The printer’s build quality feels premium, and it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t look or feel like a budget device. I’ve had printers that feel like they might crumble under pressure, but this one feels like it can handle a busy schedule without faltering.

Performance and Speed

Printing speed is where this machine shines. With a print rate of up to 25 pages per minute, I tested it with larger documents, and it didn’t lag or stutter. The first page prints in just 4 seconds, which is perfect for those moments when I need something printed on the fly. The 1200×1200 dpi resolution ensures the colors are vivid and sharp, whether I’m printing out business reports, brochures, or even photos on glossy paper.

One feature I found impressive was the automatic duplex printing. This saved me time and paper, especially when printing lengthy documents. I tried printing on different media types, from envelopes to card stock and glossy photo paper, and the results were consistently high-quality. It didn’t jam or cause any issues, even with heavier paper types.

Ease of Use and Connectivity Options

Setting up the printer was straightforward, and the variety of connectivity options made it a breeze to incorporate into my workflow. The built-in wireless, Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct interfaces offer flexibility, depending on your tech setup. I used the NFC touch-to-connect feature, and it worked seamlessly with my smartphone. Printing directly from cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox was also intuitive, thanks to the 2.7-inch color touchscreen.

I tested the mobile device printing, and it worked like a charm. Whether I was printing from my laptop or smartphone, the connection remained stable. The fact that it comes equipped with voice control compatibility for Amazon Alexa and Vera is a nice modern touch, even though I didn’t rely heavily on it.

Key Benefits

• Fast printing speeds of up to 25 pages per minute.
• Versatile paper handling with a 250-sheet capacity and manual feed slot.
• Wireless and mobile printing options, including NFC touch-to-connect.
• High-quality color printing with a resolution of 1200×1200 dpi.
• Efficient automatic duplex printing for double-sided documents.

Areas for Improvement

While the printer exceeded expectations in many areas, there are a few quirks worth noting:

• Weight: At 40.3 pounds, it’s not the most portable option, which might be inconvenient if you need to move it around frequently.
• No scanning or copying: Despite being a digital color printer, it lacks multifunction capabilities like scanning or copying, which I occasionally missed.
• Initial cost of toner: The starter toner cartridges are great, but replacing them can be pricey, especially if you print in color frequently.

Competing Products

Comparing this printer to others in the same category, I found it holds its ground well. For example, competing models like the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw offer similar color printing capabilities, but I’ve noticed that the Brother HL-L3270CDW’s faster print speeds make it a better choice for high-volume tasks. On the other hand, all-in-one options like the Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw include scanning and faxing, which may appeal to users seeking additional functionality. However, these often come at a higher price point and bulkier size.

The Brother HL-L3270CDW excels in its compact design, straightforward operation, and cost-effective color printing, making it a standout for anyone prioritizing simplicity and speed.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of value for money, this printer strikes a solid balance. The upfront cost might seem a bit higher compared to inkjet models, but laser printers are generally more economical in the long run. The starter toner cartridges included in the package are a nice addition, allowing for about 1,000 pages each, which is decent for personal or small office use. I particularly appreciated the energy-efficient design, which is not only environmentally friendly but helps reduce electricity costs.

While toner refills aren’t cheap, the high-yield toner options from Brother can significantly lower the per-page cost. If you’re someone who needs reliable, high-quality printing without frequent maintenance or replacements, this printer offers excellent cost-effectiveness.

Additional information